The Biggest Flaw Of The Betta Fish...

LIFESPAN. TOO SHORT.

 

It's similar to many tropical fish. About 4-6 years.

 

Theyre not peaceful fish

 

I think its more the fact that the 'fancy' bettas aren't like their wild counterparts and make peaceful species tank... I want them all!

(And they expensive...)

 

I wish they were sociable but not schooling. Like platies. You could have a couple or a whole tank of them.

 

I think Betta fish that live in captivity cannot live 3-5 years. I know someone who is a fish enthusiast, he collects bettas. He says that in these fish in captivity live only about 1 year on average. They barely last 2 years

 

Their only and biggest problem of bettas are that you can’t put them together otherwise I would have something like 15 male betta in my tank.

 

I think Betta fish that live in captivity cannot live 3-5 years. I know someone who is a fish enthusiast, he collects bettas. He says that in these fish in captivity live only about 1 year on average. They barely last 2 years

There was someone on here about 2 months ago who had a 7 year old betta. It's definitely possible for them to live beyond 2 years.

 

Yeah, when I was growing up I had a betta in a 2.5 gallon unfiltered tank who lived at least four years. Now I know better, but it’s definitely possible for them to live older than two.

I think the biggest flaw of bettas is the humans who don’t take care of them properly.

 

Jellibeen, I think that is changing because of forums like this one. Knowledge is power. The bad information the places you buy bettas from doesn't help. I have to agree the biggest flaw is that you can't / hard to put them together. They are beautiful fish.

 

I don't see any bad thing with their lifespan.
Personally, my bettas have always lived to be a bit over a year old, never found out why.
I am trying new things to keep them healthy and living longer.

 

I wish they were sociable but not schooling. Like platies. You could have a couple or a whole tank of them.

I mean there's always sorority's

 

I mean there's always sorority's

Yeah I guess but they're still not exactly sociable. And you can't really keep males.

 

Both the aggression and the short life-spans can be at least helped through breeding, care and socialization. They were bred for centuries specifically to fight. And then lately they've been bred and raised to develop as quickly as possible for sale, which means they don't live as long as they could. But there is a lot of research that it is possible to get back to at least the wild levels of being territorial without complete destruction quickly--within a single generation of socialization and selecting the least aggressive ones they could at least live together, in the right environment.

I think their biggest flaw is how they can quickly eat themselves to death. Seriously, I gave my betta like 4 bloodworms tonight and he looks like a beachball. He's so freaking cute, how can you NOT feed that little face?? And now he's going to be mad at me tomorrow because he's on a diet until he poops it all out. :'(

 

I'd say it's the selective breeding for ornamental features. I don't know if breeding for color predisposes them to any weaknesses, but the overly long fins clearly aren't a good idea.

When I got into betta fish, many of the ones sold in stores looked like State Fair giveaway fish that weren't intended to live more than a few months. Recently, I've been seeing much better looking betta at Petco. Hopefully they foresee more profitability in higher quality betta and are investing in better breeding. Next, I'd like to see wild-type plakats, including wild-type color.

 

Currently, there's a couple of wild (believe they F1 or F2) betta splendens for sale in australia, and they simply look amazing! I think if I was to get a betta, and had no objection to money, I would get the wild type.

 

I think if I was to get a betta, and had no objection to money, I would get the wild type.

Are they actually being sold at a premium because they're normal?

 

A pair is around $125... not including shipping.

Are they actually being sold at a premium because they're normal?

 

I think Betta fish that live in captivity cannot live 3-5 years. I know someone who is a fish enthusiast, he collects bettas. He says that in these fish in captivity live only about 1 year on average. They barely last 2 years

My current betta is over two. I frequently talk to customers with bettas who made it to 7-8 years old. Their average lifespan is around 5 years if kept properly.

 

They say females aren't super sociable but my girls share a 6 gallon. Obviously one has established herself as alpha, but the two of them sleep together in the same little cave at night it's rather charming

 

They say females aren't super sociable but my girls share a 6 gallon. Obviously one has established herself as alpha, but the two of them sleep together in the same little cave at night it's rather charming

Hope you mean 60 gallon because 6 gallons is ~3.35 times smaller than the recommended minimum for a sorority...

 

Jellibeen, I think that is changing because of forums like this one. Knowledge is power. The bad information the places you buy bettas from doesn't help. I have to agree the biggest flaw is that you can't / hard to put them together. They are beautiful fish.

I sure hope it is changing! It makes me sad every time I see terrible “tanks” marketing for bettas at the petstore. The other day, though, my local petco posted signs that they would take any goldfish (specifically carnival goldfish) for adoption. It even stated some info about proper care for goldies, and how small tanks are bad for them. Hopefully eventually they will stop spreading rumors about improper betta care.

 

Actually no it's not 60 gallons lol, however it is only two females. I didn't PLAN the tank to be for more than my blue female. But one day, a poor, sad, most beautiful girl caught my eye in the tiniest pet store cup you ever saw. And I had to go back and save her. I realize that under 3 gallons per fish isn't recommended. Their tank is heavily planted, and with lots of places for privacy and hiding. They are both extremely happy, healthy, active fish who clearly desire each other's company. If I thought one or both didn't seem happy the setup would have changed. I get people on the forums here are trying to be helpful, but sometimes things are not black and white. I do appreciate where it comes from though!